How to Succeed In Business

By watching children's movies ...

Most of us, already know that Disney films can provide life lessons for our children. Perhaps we can learn something too on occasion? Maybe even how to succeed in business?

If you're wondering how to succeed in business, then maybe Disney can help?

Over Christmas, apart from enjoying some time off with my husband, I worked through my own Disney collection and a few really great pointers jumped out at me. I've included a few of them below:

The Lion King - Hakuna Matata

Simba witnesses the murder of his father, the king. Cheery start! Then he runs away. There are other elements to the journey, but the turning point is when Simba learns "Hakuna Matata". He literally grows up and becomes an adult during that song.

It's an easy-to-remember reminder to not put too much pressure on yourself. Of course, it's a balancing act in the real world. It seems simple enough, but hundreds of business owners have become trapped in their own worries.

Hercules - God to Zero to Hero

Certainly, Hercules has some natural gifts, but it's belief in himself that makes him a hero. Of course, we know adult life is a bit more complicated than that; however, refusing to give up is a powerful thing, just make sure it's for the right reasons.

There's a second lesson hiding in Hercules though. He's taken from his parents, Zeus and Hera, and turned almost entirely mortal. From then on his parents can only watch. That will have been heart-breaking and painful, but they didn't have any other choice. And, sometimes, neither do we.

Even if you have a choice, stay too close for too long and you'll lose sight of the big picture and focus. Your children, your creations, your business, goods or service have to be able to stand alone; no one can be available 24/7, and even 12/6 will push you past your limits. Hard as it is, take a step back, maybe even get away for a week or two. You'll find out what really needs your attention.

Monster University - Pretending to be scary

The only thing Mike wants to do is be a scarer, but Mike isn't scary; however, he joins a team and discovers he has other skills and some leadership qualities that can lead to the success of others.

This is easily the most difficult lesson. Sometimes, we aren't who we think we are, who we want to be or who we think others want us to be. That can leave us feeling like we failed, but that isn't the case or, rather, it isn't the only choice.

That's the truest strength of humans and everyone has it: we can choose to acknowledge our personal limitations, ask for and accept help, then work together to achieve something that is greater than anyone can accomplish alone.

But, it's also human instinct to avoid that. It's scarier than any monster and more difficult than facing any fear. It can feel like choosing to lose and fail.

Embracing our own weaknesses and acknowledging the strength of others can feel like we aren't special and become weaker while they become stronger. That's a distorted half-truth, so let me finish with a question to you.

If everyone thinks they can’t fail, are good at everything and a 'special snowflake', isn't it the few who can accept the truth and reality of their weaknesses and failures that are actually unique?

Until next time ...

JACQUI FROST

PS

If you think we might make a good addition to your team give us a call on 01604 529 170.

I had a successful 20-year career as an office manager and personal assistant; however, my job was no longer focused on the customers and became all about the numbers. My customer-focused background began when I was 12 in my father's independent carpet showroom. I had a spell with Marks & Spencer before I moved into office-based jobs. I have worked as a training administrator, a PA and PA/office manager in a variety of industries from manufacturing to the IT education sector.

Meanwhile, my husband Ian, a successful Northampton based Master Decorator and owner of Rainbow Frost, was losing out on work due to missed phone calls. When he was busy, callers were getting his voicemail but weren't leaving messages. I knew how to fix that problem!

I quit my job and took on Ian as the first client of The Office Genie in November 2005. Word quickly spread with the second client coming on board just one week later. The majority of our clients since have come to us through word of mouth recommendations and networking referrals. Over the years, I have become well connected in Northampton and Milton Keynes.

Outside of work I enjoy swimming, roller skating, the theatre and my cats and dogs!

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